Asymmetric Deoxygenative Cyanation of Benzyl Alcohols Enabled by Synergistic Photoredox and Copper Catalysis†

Summary of main observation and conclusion An enantioselective deoxygenative cyanation of benzyl alcohols was accomplished for the first time through the synergistic photoredox and copper catalysis. This reaction features the use of organic photosensitizer and low‐cost 3d metal catalyst, simple and safe operations, and extremely mild conditions. A variety of chiral benzyl nitriles were produced in generally good yields and high level of enantiocontrols from readily available feedstocks (22 examples, up to 93% yield and 92% ee).